SPS Joins Mayor Murray Education Summit

SPS Joins Mayor Murray Education Summit

Posted on 11/17/2016

SPS and Mayor Murray Eliminating Gaps

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) Superintendent Dr. Larry Nyland and School Board President Betty Patu joined Seattle Mayor Ed Murray, Thursday, to present a set of recommendations aimed at ensuring all Seattle students are set up for academic success and post-secondary education and careers, with an emphasis on improving outcomes for African Americans/Black students.

The presentation was delivered at Garfield High School by the Mayor's Education Summit Advisory Group which is comprised of 30 representatives from SPS, the City of Seattle, community leaders, parents, business and philanthropy leaders - all dedicated to closing Seattle's achievement and opportunity gaps between white students and students of color.

“Seattle Public Schools and the City of Seattle are committed to eliminating gaps in educational access, removing barriers to success and improving academic outcomes for students who have been historically underserved," said Superintendent Nyland. "Eliminating opportunity gaps is the issue of our time and together, we are committed to this vision. As a district we can’t do it alone. Working together, we can ensure every student thrives and succeeds."

Seattle schools has the fifth largest gap in achievement between African American/Black and White students.

Last month SPS launched the #CloseTheGaps awareness campaign to illustrate ways the district is tackling eliminating opportunity gaps for students.

The Mayor's Education Summit is a community process to help address the opportunity gap and disparities in our public schools. The summit process starts with gathering ideas and input from residents all over Seattle and concludes with actual solutions on how the City can help partner with Seattle Public Schools, families, and education advocates.

Mayor Murray also announced funding for several recommendations made by his Education Summit Advisory Group including support for post-secondary attainment, and expanding the innovation school model that has been successful under the Families and Education Levy.